Is Water Baptism essential for salvation?

Water Baptism is NOT an “essential” component or element of salvation as salvation from death in Hell resulting from sin is made possible by faith-trust in Jesus as Messiah believing that Jesus died to pay your sin-debt owed the Father…a sin-debt you could never pay yourself; this, apart from any form of “work” on our part (John 3) – BUT – Jesus has commanded that we be baptized subsequent salvation (Matthew 28:16-20) and anyone who has truly entered into saving faith in Jesus will honor what Jesus has commanded.

Will your refusal to enter baptismal waters result in a loss of salvation? NO… – but – you will lose reward at the BEMA Judgment (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) and your daily walk with the Holy Spirit in sanctification will be lacking true intimacy and joy and peace as your conscience will be strained, guilty, due to your disobedience.

Solution? Do as Jesus has commanded and enter baptismal waters subsequent your confession of faith and give no place to the Devil in your conscience.